Issues
Lebanon
Assessing the Impact of Lebanon’s June 7th Parliamentary Elections
Posted on Tuesday June 16, 2009
The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) hosted a panel of Middle East academics to discuss the impact of the Lebanese election on Lebanon, the region, and the U.S. The panel consisted of Graeme Bannerman, founder of Bannerman Associates and an adjunct scholar at the Middle East Institute; Steven Heydemann, special adviser to the Muslim World Initiative at USIP; and Randa Slim, a Jennings Randolph Guest Scholar at USIP. The panel was moderated by Mona Yacoubian, Lebanon Working Group director and Muslim World Initiative special adviser.
Lebanese Victor's Toughest Dilemma
From www.washingtonpost.com
Posted on Wednesday June 10, 2009
In four tumultuous years, Saad Hariri, the billionaire at the center of Lebanese politics, has weathered his father’s assassination, a war with Israel and a near civil collapse when the Shiite Hezbollah party seized the country’s capital by force.
But in rebounding with an unexpected win in Sunday’s parliamentary election, the 39-year-old politician faces one of his most difficult dilemmas yet, according to allies and local political analysts. If, as expected, he becomes the nation’s next prime minister, he will be left to reconcile the anti-Hezbollah rhetoric of his campaign with the Islamist group’s continued power to make demands and set its own course in confronting Israel.
Lebanon: Results of Parliamentary Elections
From L’ORIENT-LE JOUR
Posted on Monday June 8, 2009
We have translated and reformatted the results of the 2009 parliamentary elections, as printed in today’s L’ORIENT-LE JOUR. The Majority and the Centrist allies took 71 seats (out of 128) and the Opposition took 57 seats.
AAI Statement on the Situation in Lebanon - May 16, 2008
Posted on Thursday May 15, 2008
Recent events in Lebanon demonstrate how, when left unresolved, a contentious, sectarian political stalemate can deteriorate into violence and turmoil teetering on the brink civil war. While absolutely tragic, these developments should not come as a surprise to American policymakers. The United States missed a crucial opportunity in the nascent stages of the ‘Cedar Revolution’ to support the Lebanese people in their movement towards national unity, an act of diplomatic negligence that exemplifies the failure of U.S. policies in the Middle East under the current administration. Immediately at stake is a narrowing window of opportunity to achieve much-needed reform and reconciliation in Lebanon.
Who are Lebanese-Americans?
Posted on Monday October 16, 2006
Lebanese immigrants have been settling in the U.S. since the late 19th century, making them the largest subgroup of Arabic speaking immigrants in America.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau*, approximately one-third of persons reporting Arab ancestry were Lebanese. AAIF estimates that at least one million Americans are of Lebanese heritage.
Sununu Statement Regarding Lebanon Private Sector Initiative
Posted on Sunday September 24, 2006
WASHINGTON, DC – United States Senator John Sununu (R-NH), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement regarding President Bush’s meeting with a Presidential delegation of American business leaders who have joined forces to help rebuild Lebanon following the recent conflict with Israel.
Senate Votes on the Feinstein Amendment on the Use of Cluster Bombs
Posted on Wednesday September 6, 2006
Amendment rejected by Senate by a Vote of 30-70
On September 6, the Senate rejected an amendment offered by Senators Diane Feinstein (D-CA) and Patrick Leahy (D-VT) calling for the protection of “civilian lives from unexploded cluster munitions” by preventing US tax dollars from being spent to acquire, utilize, sell, or transfer cluster munitions. The final vote was 30 in favor, 70 opposed.
AAI urges all its friends to:
1) Contact Senator Feinstein and thank her for her amendment on cluster bombs
2) Contact your senators. Thank them if they voted in favor and express your disappointment if they opposed the amendment. Find your senators phone numbers by clicking here.
US Leadership Can Lead To Comprehensive Peace
Posted on Tuesday August 15, 2006
Lobby Day Resources on Lebanon
Posted on Monday August 14, 2006
Support Senator Chafee's Call for a Ceasefire!
Posted on Tuesday August 8, 2006
Hundreds of you responded to our call to action thanking Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE) for his recent speech calling for a ceasefire in Lebanon and advocating a responsible US foreign policy. It’s important that other elected officials with the courage to speak out receive support from Arab Americans and those who support peace. Like Hagel, Senator Lincoln Chafee (R-RI), chairman of the Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs subcommittee on Senate Foreign Relations, has been a staunch advocate for peace in the region and increased US engagement. Chafee was the only member of his party to vote against the Iraq war.
Every American Who Wants to Depart Will Be Helped
From US Embassy in Beirut Press Release
Posted on Wednesday July 19, 2006
“Helping Americans Depart Safely is our First Priority.”
The U.S. Government is using all resources possible to facilitate the speedy and safe departure of American citizens currently in Lebanon using every means available. The departure of every single American citizen who wishes to leave Lebanon is the first priority for the U.S. Government. The Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense are ensuring that all available military, civilian, and private sector resources in the region are being directed to accomplish this goal. The U.S. Embassy in Beirut has made possible the departure of over 1,500 American citizens via helicopter and cruise ship in the past four days. Urgent medical need cases are still the first priority.
Evacuation from Lebanon
Posted on Wednesday July 19, 2006
The State Department has started to contact American citizens who have registered with the Embassy to begin the evacuation process from Lebanon. If you or a loved one have not been contacted by the embassy, please contact the Arab American Institute at (202) 429-9210 or rabouchedid@aaiusa.org and we will assist you in reaching the proper officials at the State Department.
Crisis in the Middle East
Posted on Wednesday July 19, 2006
“We fight our own way. I’m working non-stop to give medicines to my people.”
These are real stories and pictures sent to AAI from Arab Americans whose family and friends are stuck in Lebanon.
I want to tell my president Mr. Bush to tell Israel to please stop destroying the roads in Lebanon. I don’t know how we can come back home with all the roads and airports being destroyed…I miss my friends Conner, Mitch and Ryan. I want to come back home so we have a few basketball games before school starts.
Talking Points on Middle East Crisis
Posted on Wednesday July 19, 2006
US Leadership Is Required to End Violence in the Middle East
